Middle School Class Descriptions

Grades: 5^th-8^th 

Description: We will learn a variety of techniques using the elements and principles of art. We will also explore all types of art media through project-based learning. By the end of the year we will have a portfolio of projects.

Duration: Year Long

Materials Needed: 8.5×11 sketchbook, drawing pencil set with a metal sharpener, eraser, kneaded eraser, a storage container & two poster boards.

Additional One-Time Fee: $60

Monthly Class Fee: $55.00

Homework: Optional sketchbook entries.

Minimum Students: 8  

Maximum Students: 14

Teacher: Sarah Pasquale

Grades: 6^th-8^th 

Description: Students will learn the composition of taking photographs, how to use light, and how to communicate through a photograph. How to create a storyboard through photos.

Duration: Year Long

Materials Needed: Camera (digital or they may use their phone if this is not an option)

Additional One-Time Fee: $30

Monthly Class Fee: $55.00

Homework: Optional 

Minimum Students: 4  

Maximum Students: 15

Teacher: Sarah Pasquale

Capture the memories and tell the story of the year in Yearbook Design & Production! In this elective, middle school students will take on the exciting challenge of creating the school’s yearbook from start to finish. You’ll learn the ins and outs of yearbook production, including layout design, photography, writing captions and articles, and editing.

Students will collaborate as a team to brainstorm creative themes, design eye-catching pages, and ensure every moment—big or small—is preserved for the school community. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills in graphic design, organization, communication, and time management as you work to meet important deadlines.

Whether you love writing, photography, or design, this class has something for everyone. By the end of the year, you’ll have a professionally printed yearbook that you helped create—a lasting legacy for your school and peers. Join Yearbook Design & Production and make history!

Grades: 5-8 (middle school aged)

Duration: Yearlong

Materials needed: access to the internet, access to a camera/video recorder

Additional one-time material fee: $20

Homework: occasional projects given, but no daily homework

Maximum students: 12

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

Course Description:

The Elementary American Sign Language (ASL) class for grades 4-5 is designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of ASL, fostering communication skills in a fun, interactive, and inclusive environment. Students will explore the basics of ASL vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects, with an emphasis on hands-on learning, and building empathy through language.

Throughout the course, students will learn essential signs for everyday communication, including greetings, introductions, colors, numbers, family members, and emotions. They will also engage in activities that promote understanding of Deaf culture, its history, and the importance of accessibility in communication.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Learn and use basic ASL signs for daily communication.
• Develop the ability to introduce themselves and have simple conversations.
• Understand basic ASL grammar and sentence structure.
• Explore Deaf culture, community values, and traditions.
• Gain confidence in expressing ideas through visual and non-verbal communication.

Course Format:

• Engaging, hands-on activities like games.
• Collaborative exercises to practice signing with peers.

This course is ideal for students who are curious about learning a new language, interested in understanding diverse cultures, or looking to enhance their communication skills in a creative and supportive environment.

Duration: Year Long

Materials Needed: American Sign Language for Beginners (9781646116423) and American Sign Language Workbook (9781646119509), Paper, Pencils

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $20

Monthly Class Fee: $55

Homework: 30-45 minutes per week 

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 3/10 

Teacher: Kathy Hammond 

In this engaging and interactive course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of American Sign Language, a visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States. This class will provide students with the opportunity to explore basic ASL vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects of the Deaf community, helping them to develop communication skills that promote inclusivity and understanding.

Throughout the course, students will learn:

• ASL Alphabet and Numbers: Master the manual alphabet (fingerspelling) and numerical signs used in everyday communication.
• Common Vocabulary: Learn essential words and phrases for greeting, asking questions, and navigating daily interactions.
• Grammar and Sentence Structure: Gain understanding of ASL’s unique grammar, including how to form questions, statements, and commands.
• Cultural Awareness: Explore the history, traditions, and values of the Deaf community, fostering respect and appreciation for deaf culture.
• Practical Skills: Practice expressing thoughts and ideas in ASL, improving conversational skills with peers in a supportive and hands-on environment.

This class will emphasize both verbal and non-verbal communication, with a focus on visual learning and active participation.

No prior experience is required—just an open mind and willingness to learn and communicate in a new way!

Grades: 6-7

Duration: Year Long

Materials Needed: Don’t Just Sign communicate: 1) A Student Guide to ASL and The Deaf Community 2) A Student Guide to Mastering ASL Grammar 3) A Student Guide to The Deaf Experience, Paper and pencils.

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $20

Monthly Class Fee: $55

Homework: 2 Hours a week 

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 3/10 

Teacher: Kathy Hammond 

This interdisciplinary class blends Bible study, science, literature, and fine
arts to foster curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection with both God’s Word and His creation. Using the Treehouse Nature Study as a framework, each session features 15-minute stations where students engage in focused activities, including:

• Scripture readings, prayer prompts, and hymn studies to grow their faith
• Exploring living books and notebooking their discoveries
• Conducting hands-on experiments and art studies inspired by seasonal
  themes
• Engaging in poetry, discussion, and creative writing tied to the topic

Grade: 3rd-6th grade

Duration: Year Long

One-time Material Fee: $40

Monthly Class Fee: $55

Materials: Large watercolor sketchbook, Bible, colored pencils, scissors, gluestick

Homework: none

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Teacher: Alece Campbell

Description:  In this engaging and hands-on upper elementary and middle school class, students will delve into the rich traditions of handicrafts, art, and music through the Charlotte Mason approach. Inspired by the philosophy of fostering creativity and cultivating an appreciation for beauty, the course will introduce students to various handicrafts such as basket weaving, tin punch, and textile arts, encouraging them to create functional and artistic pieces. Simultaneously, students will explore the lives and works of renowned artists; Norman Rockwell, Georges Seurat and Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and composers; Leonard Bernstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Antonio Vivaldi, studying their contributions to the world while engaging in projects that allow for personal expression and skill development. This class is designed to inspire a lifelong love of art and craftsmanship, empowering students to express themselves through multiple mediums. 

Grades: 4^th-8^th 

Duration: Yearly

Materials Needed: Pen, pencil, colored pencils, double stick tape

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework: None

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/14max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout

Description:  Making investigators of students, this engaging course aids students in honing their listening and reasoning skills, paying attention to detail, using logical, deductive and evidence-based thinking.  Students will solve various interactive mini-mysteries and will explore the fascinating world of forensic science by investigating fingerprints, collecting evidence such as trace evidence, shoe prints, and handwriting samples, and understanding the role of DNA in solving mysteries. Students will evaluate witness descriptions and witness statements, drawing conclusions based on facts.  Guided by the curriculum from Cold Case Christianity for Kids, students will gather essential tools for their detective bags students will enjoy the thrill of high-stakes investigation discovering the case for Jesus.  They will learn  “how to think, not just what to think” as they examine their faith intelligently. The student will create their own detective badge and graduate with a Cadet Academy Cold Case Christianity certificate, making this an unforgettable journey of discovery and learning.  

Grades: 3^rd -6^th 

Duration: Yearly

Required Materials: pencil or pen, scissors, glue stick, and markers

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework:  None

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/14max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout

Students will work together to crack codes, solve puzzles, and unlock mysteries in engaging escape room challenges. Each week, we’ll dive into a new theme—from history and science to geography and literature—building teamwork and critical thinking skills while exploring fascinating topics.

Grades: 4-8

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $40  

Materials Needed: None, all materials provided

Homework: None

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14 

Teacher: Alece Campbell

Middle School Logic Class: The Fallacy Detective

Discover the fascinating world of logic and clear thinking in this engaging middle school class, inspired by the beloved book The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn. Students will explore the art of reasoning, learn to identify common logical fallacies and sharpen their critical thinking skills through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and fun exercises.

This class encourages curiosity and independent thought while providing tools to evaluate arguments and spot misleading claims in media, advertising, and everyday conversations. Perfect for students who love solving puzzles, debating ideas, or simply want to think more clearly!

Duration: Year long

Materials needed: “The Fallacy Detective” by the Bluedorns, pen/pencil

Homework: Minimal

One-time materials fee: $10

Monthly class fee: $55

Class Min/Max: 5/12

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

Join us for a fun and engaging middle school class where students sharpen their critical thinking and strategy skills through gameplay! Each week, we’ll explore popular games like Break the Code, Catan, Chess, Ticket to Ride, and many more. These games are designed to challenge students to think ahead, plan strategically, and make thoughtful decisions—all while having a great time with their peers.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to these games, this class will help you develop problem-solving techniques, teamwork, and a competitive spirit in a friendly and supportive environment. Get ready to play, think, and grow!

Grades: 5-8

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: None

Additional material fee: $35

Monthly: $55

Homework: none

Min/Max: 6/12

Teacher:  Rana Hicks

Welcome to The Project Lab, a dynamic and interactive class where you take the lead! This student-driven course is designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving by empowering students to decide, plan, and execute their own hands-on projects.

Whether it’s building a model city, designing a game, constructing a working robot, or creating a mural, this class gives you the freedom to explore your interests while learning valuable skills like teamwork, project management, and critical thinking. With access to a variety of tools, materials, and resources, you’ll work in small groups or individually to bring your ideas to life.

In this class, you’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm and propose project ideas based on your passions and interests. Once your idea is approved, you’ll plan and manage your project by setting timelines, organizing materials, and establishing clear goals. Throughout the process, you’ll collaborate with peers, share ideas, and work through challenges together, fostering teamwork and communication. Finally, you’ll present your completed project to the class, showcasing your creativity and reflecting on the entire journey, from idea to execution.

This course will help you develop essential skills like creative problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking. You’ll gain hands-on experience in project planning and time management while improving your ability to communicate and collaborate with others. Depending on the focus of your project, you may also acquire new technical skills in areas such as crafting, technology, engineering, or design. By the end of the course, you’ll have not only a completed project to be proud of but also a deeper understanding of how to turn ideas into reality. Since this class is student-led, projects will vary from year to year. 

Grades: 5-8

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: will be provided by the teacher

Additional one-time material fee: $30

Homework: Class time will be given to work on projects, but some projects might need to be worked on at home occasionally— no weekly homework

Maximum students: 10

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

🎭 Ready, set, improvise! Dive into the exciting world of improv, where creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork take center stage. This class is all about making up stories, characters, and scenes on the spot through fun games and activities.

🌟 Why improv is awesome:

• Boosts Confidence: Learn to trust your instincts and think on your feet.
• Encourages Creativity: Explore your imagination and try new ideas without fear.
• Improves Communication: Build listening skills and learn how to collaborate effectively.
• Develops Resilience: Practice rolling with the unexpected and finding solutions.

 What to expect:

• Interactive Games
• Character Building
• Teamwork Challenges

🗣️ Whether you’re a born performer or just looking to have fun and make new friends, this class is for you! Join us and discover how much laughter and learning can go hand in hand. 🎉

Duration: Year Long

Materials Needed: Pencils, eraser & a notebook or composition book.

Additional One-Time Fee: $20

Monthly Class Fee: $55.00

Homework: Optional

Minimum Students: 6  

Maximum Students: 15

Teacher: Sarah Pasquale

Description:  In the Economics and Entrepreneurship course, participants will engage in hands-on activities to explore essential economic and business principles. Through a class-run business game, students will assume various roles, collaborating in teams to maximize profits while learning about key concepts such as profit, loss, net worth, accounting, and marketing. They will plan and launch their own businesses, selling goods at in-school fairs and participating in two events throughout the year, using the “More Than a Lemonade Stand” program by Julie Ann Wood as a foundation. Students will showcase their learning on two occasions throughout the school year where they will plan a business, create a product, market it to their audience, and sell it at an in-school market.  Students will seek initial investments from parents to fund their business and repay the loan after each sale. High-achieving or highly interested students will be encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial interests over the summer, building on the skills they’ve developed in class. 

Grades: 5^th -8^th 

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: pen, pencil (materials for product creation close to the time of each sale one at the end of each semester- times will be given closer to the actual sales).

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework: No regular homework is given in this class, however, students may need extra time to complete products (they are expected to work for four class periods on their products) to sell near the time of each sale. 

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/14max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout

Using Unsolved Mysteries by Gather Round, students will explore life’s greatest enigmas in this unique approach to critical thinking. We’ll be looking at the Lost Colony of Roanoke, Atlantis, the Loch Ness Monster, the Ark of the Covenant, Stonehenge, Amelia Earhart, and so much more! 

Grades: 3-6 grade

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $30  

Materials Needed: Composition notebook, scissors, colored pencils

Homework: Optional assignments/readings 30 minutes-1 hour per week as desired. 

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Teacher: Alece Campbell

Take a journey through time as we explore the decades that shaped America, from the 1900s to 2020! In this engaging and interactive class, middle schoolers will dive into the rich history, culture, and innovations of each era.

From the roaring energy of the 1920s to the resilience of the 1940s, and the exciting fads of the 1950s like Hula Hoops, Disneyland, and Rock and Roll, students will experience the milestones that influenced how we live today. Along the way, we’ll discover the transformative movements of the 1960s, the technology boom of the 1990s, and even the cultural shifts of the 2010s.

This class is packed with hands-on activities, including:

History: Dive into key events and figures that defined each decade.

Games: Play period-specific games and learn what kids of the time enjoyed.

Music: Listen to iconic tunes and explore how music reflected the times.

Fashion: Explore changing styles and their connection to social trends.

Cultural Highlights: Discover how inventions, movies, and art shaped each generation.

Get ready to travel through time with history, fun, and creativity. By the end of this course, students will have a greater appreciation for how the past connects to the present!

Grades: 5-8

Duration: year long

Materials needed: Basic classroom supplies

Material fee: $40

Monthly class fee: $55

Homework: There will be one presentation/semester. No weekly homework will be assigned.

Min/Max: 6/14

Teacher: Rana Hicks

Book club with public speaking will provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books that intend to be engaging, yet challenge them. Students will learn to dig into the literature and to deeply discuss the books while also learning to identify literary elements. This class will also have a public speaking component where the students will receive instruction in basic presentation skills. They will be given the opportunity several times throughout the year to practice those skills by preparing and presenting a book project or book review in front of their classmates. A partial book list will be provided prior to the beginning.

Grades: 5-8 grade

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: None  

Materials Needed: Composition Notebook, glue stick 

Homework: Assigned readings to be done outside of class. 

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Teacher: Alece Campbell

*New Format!*

Unleash your imagination in this exciting middle school creative writing class! Students will explore the art of storytelling through a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry and personal narratives. Through fun prompts, guided exercises, and peer feedback, young writers will develop their unique voices and learn essential storytelling techniques such as character development, plot structure, vivid description, and dialogue. They will also study the techniques their own favorite authors use to make their stories come alive.

Duration: Year long

Materials: Pen/pencil, paper, and a binder to store finished pieces and writing in progress.

Homework: 30 minutes to an hour a week, unless the student chooses to spend more time.

Monthly Class Fee: $55

One-Time Materials Fee: $20

Min/Max students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

Step into the world of Christian fantasy literature in this captivating middle school class! Students will dive into richly imaginative stories where faith, virtue, and the battle between good and evil take center stage. Through works by authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and others, students will explore timeless themes of redemption, sacrifice, courage, and hope. Meanwhile, students will also gain experience in how to think about and discuss literature.

Duration: Year long

Homework: Students will have reading assignments and will do some written and creative narrations. There will be optional assignments students can choose to complete to make this a more complete language arts class.

Materials: TBA

One-time materials fee: $20

Monthly class fee: $55

Min/Max Students: 4/12

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

This is an introductory writing class using IEW’s Structure and Style method. Using IEW’s “Fables, Myths and Fairy Tales,” students will learn how to take notes, retell stories, summarize references, write from pictures, and compose their own myths or fairy tales. Students will also learn how to use a checklist to edit their own work.

Duration: Year Long

Materials: IEW’s Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Student Book; a pen/pencil, and a binder to keep papers.

Homework: Students can expect weekly homework. This class will need some parent/guardian input at home.

Monthly class fee: $60

One-time additional fee: $25

Min/Max Students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

From knights to Vikings, medieval history is exciting! We will use readings from the Middle Ages as our sources while we learn how to write with structure and style. We will start with simple note-taking practice and end the year by writing full essays.

This is a perfect class for middle schoolers preparing for high school writing. It’s also a flexible program and the difficulty level can be toned down or ramped up based on what your student is ready for.

Join us for a year of writing about Vikings, knights, and dragons!

Grades: 6-9

Duration: Year long

Monthly Fee: $60/mo

Additional one-time material fee: $20

Materials: IEW Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons (Student Book), a binder to keep papers in, pen/pencil.

Homework: Weekly writing assignments. Students should expect to spend 1-3 hours a week on homework.

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

Are you looking for a combination of gentle writing and hands-on activities? In WriteShop Junior F Students will learn how to:

• Narrow a broad topic to a specific topic
• Use graphic organizers to plan a story or report
• Strengthen paragraph development
• Improve sentence length
• Describe characters, setting, and plot with vivid language
• Use dialogue to show, not tell
• Write a 5-paragraph composition
• Write a research-based report

This is the perfect class for a student who needs a hands-on, gentle approach.

Grades: 4th-8th

Materials: Paper and pen/pencil. Students will also need WriteShop student materials. Please check back here for the exact list of products to order.

Homework: Students can expect to spend 30 minutes-1 hour a week on writing homework.

One-Time Materials Fee: $25

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Min/Max Students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

Junior Chefs

Calling all future foodies! Join our Junior Chefs class and whip up delicious creations while learning essential kitchen skills. From crafting perfect sandwiches to blending smoothies and assembling mini pizzas, this class is full of hands-on fun!

 What to expect:

Cooking Adventures: Make simple, tasty recipes you can recreate at home.

Learn Kitchen Basics: Practice measuring, mixing, chopping (safely!), and more.

Creative Flavors: Experiment with ingredients to make your dishes unique.

 What you’ll gain:

Build confidence in the kitchen with step-by-step guidance.

Learn the importance of following instructions and teamwork.

Discover the joy of creating (and tasting!) your own culinary masterpieces.

Join us and stir up some fun—you’ll leave with skills that last a lifetime and maybe even a new favorite recipe!

Grades: 2nd- 5th Grades

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $70

Monthly Class Fee: $55

Materials Needed: None, all materials will be provided

Homework: None

Min/Max # of Students: 5/10

Teacher: Rana Hicks

This is a course designed to equip upper elementary and middle school students with the tools they need to understand and navigate their emotions, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and develop lifelong social-emotional skills.

Throughout the year we will focus on the five core competencies of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Students will explore the science of emotions, build empathy, learn effective communication strategies, and develop resilience through interactive activities, reflective exercises, and group discussions.

The class incorporates interactive learning techniques, engaging students in activities like emotion mapping, role-playing scenarios, team-building exercises, and creative projects. Each student will maintain a personalized Emotion Journal, which allows them to reflect on their feelings and track their growth over the course of the school year. Lessons are designed to provide practical application, focusing on real-life scenarios such as managing school stress, resolving conflicts, and practicing empathy in their daily lives. This course incorporates tools for resilience and stress management, including mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and techniques for positive self-talk. These strategies empower students to handle challenges effectively and build confidence in their ability to adapt and persevere.

By the end of the course, students will have applied their SEL skills in meaningful ways, including participating in a community project or an act of service that demonstrates their ability to contribute positively to their school and local communities.

Grades– 4-8

Duration: year long

Materials needed: provided by teacher

Additional one-time material fee: $20

Monthly class fee: $55

Homework: none

Maximum students: 10

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

Discover the fun side of math with Math Games & Challenges! In this engaging and interactive class, upper elementary students will dive into exciting math-based games and activities that sharpen their skills and stretch their minds. From logic puzzles and board games to number scavenger hunts and competitive challenges, this course makes math both fun and rewarding.

Students will practice key concepts like multiplication, division, fractions, and problem-solving while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic reasoning. Activities are tailored to meet different skill levels, with adjustable difficulty to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and able to succeed.

Whether you love math or just want a new way to explore it, this class is a great way to build confidence, improve skills, and have fun with friends along the way. Get ready to play, think, and conquer in Math Games & Challenges!

Grades: 4-5

Duration: year long

Materials needed: provided by the teacher

Additional one-time fee: $30

Monthly class fee: $55

Homework: practice take-home games are optional

Maximum students: 8

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

Put your math skills to the test in Math Games & Strategies, an exciting and interactive class designed for middle school students! This course combines fun and learning as students tackle a variety of engaging games and activities that challenge their math knowledge and problem-solving abilities. From strategy-based board games and brain-teasing puzzles to fast-paced competitions and collaborative challenges, every session is a new opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Students will explore concepts like algebra, geometry, ratios, and probabilities in an interactive setting, while also improving logical reasoning, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Each game is designed with adjustable difficulty levels, ensuring that every student is appropriately challenged and has the chance to succeed.

Whether you’re a math enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your skills, this class offers a supportive and dynamic environment where math truly comes alive. Get ready to strategize, solve, and succeed in Math Games & Strategies!

Grades: 6-8

Duration: year long

Materials Needed: provided by teacher

Additional one-time material fee: $30

Monthly class fee: $55

Homework: practice take-home games are optional

Maximum students: 10

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

Explore traditional homesteading practices alongside commercial farming as you learn about food systems, agroecology, biological processes, food preservation, and small animal veterinary science. 

Grades: 5-8 grade

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $40  

Materials Needed: spiral bound sketch pad, scissors, colored pencils

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Homework: None 

Teacher: Alece Campbell

This course uses Treehouse Nature Study to explore seasonal themes in earth sciences. Tailored for older students, each session features stations where students will spend 15 minutes engaging in focused activities, including:

• Exploring living books and notebooking their discoveries
• Conducting hands-on experiments
• Engaging in poetry and art studies tied to the topic

This class offers a blend of science, literature, writing, and fine arts, encouraging curiosity and creativity while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Grades: 4-6 grade

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $40  

Materials Needed: spiral bound sketch pad, scissors, colored pencils

Homework: None

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Teacher: Alece Campbell

This class explores the wonders of the sky and beyond, encouraging curiosity and discovery about astronomy. Each month focuses on a specific theme, blending hands-on activities, experiments, and storytelling to deepen students’ understanding of the sky and space.

This is an exciting and interactive class designed to ignite curiosity about the universe. This course brings the wonders of the night sky to life, introducing learners to stars, planets, moons, and other celestial phenomena. 

Through engaging, hands-on activities, students will build their own constellations, create models of the solar system, and explore the phases of the moon. Using tools like star charts, telescopes, and planetarium apps, they’ll learn to identify key constellations, planets, and other objects visible in the night sky. The class also dives into fascinating topics like how astronauts explore space, why the seasons change, and how ancient cultures used the stars to navigate and tell stories. Students will conduct fun experiments, like simulating craters with flour and marbles or creating their own sundials to track time.

By the end of the course, students will develop a deep appreciation for the cosmos and the role Earth plays within it. They’ll leave with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to continue exploring the mysteries of the universe both in the classroom and beyond.

GRADES: 4-7

Duration: Year long

Materials needed: provided by teacher

Additional one-time fee: $30

Monthly class fee: $55

Homework: Projects throughout the year: occasional sky-viewing observations,

Solar System model, Planet research report— no weekly homework

Maximum students: 12

Teacher: Audrey Archibald

Description: In our engaging hands-on physics class for upper elementary and middle school students, learners explore the fundamental concepts of physics through interactive experiments and innovative projects. Designed to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking, each session allows students to investigate principles such as states of matter, force, motion, energy, properties of light and sound, and magnetism by conducting experiments, building models, and participating in group challenges. Using everyday materials, students will explore and understand the basic laws of physics.  

Grades: 5^th-8^th

Duration: Yearly

Materials Needed: Pencils, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue stick

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework:  This is a primarily hands-on experience class and will require no regular homework. Students will be expected to create one or two culminating projects demonstrating the laws of physics that they learned throughout the year.     

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/14max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout

Description: In this introductory course, students will begin to build a foundational understanding of the Spanish language through interactive activities, including question-and-response exercises, songs, and engaging games. They will expand their conversational vocabulary, focusing on practical communication skills. Emphasizing both language acquisition and academic preparation, students will develop organizational and note-taking strategies that will serve them in high school and beyond. Each semester, students will apply their learning through a digital presentation, showcasing their growing proficiency in Spanish and their ability to communicate effectively. Students that complete this class may move onto Spanish 1A or Spanish 1, when age appropriate.

Grades: 4-7

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Tabbed 3-ring binder, internet access for weekly digital study tools; colorful, engaging weekly homework packets are provided.

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $65

Monthly Class Fee: $55

Homework: approx. 1 hr per week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 5/15

Teacher: Eliana Reece

Description: Spanish 1A for 7th-8th graders is the first of a two-year program designed to complete Spanish 1, ideal for younger students or anyone seeking a slower pace with more study time and reinforcement of basic skills and vocabulary.  Supplemented with music, games, role playing, and collaborative opportunities in the classroom, this class will balance verbal fluency with grammatical understanding in a fun, engaging environment. Geography and cultural studies of Spanish-speaking countries will also be incorporated. Students will create a digital project each quarter to present and demonstrate their progress.

Grades: 7-8

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 1 text/workbook; internet access

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: approx. 90 min/week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 5-15

Teacher: Eliana Reece

Description: Spanish 1B for 8th-9th graders is the second year of a two-year program designed to complete Spanish 1, ideal for younger students or anyone seeking a slower pace with more study time and reinforcement of basic skills and vocabulary. Students will build a solid foundation allowing them to transition seamlessly into Spanish 2 the following year. Supplemented with music, games, role playing, and collaborative opportunities in the classroom, this class will balance verbal fluency with grammatical understanding in a fun, engaging environment. Geography and cultural studies of Spanish-speaking countries will also be incorporated. Students will create a digital project each quarter to present and demonstrate their progress.

Grades: 8-9

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 1 text/workbook; Internet access

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: approx. 90-120 min/week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4/15

Teacher: Eliana Reece

Spanish 1 is an honors-level language course designed to develop well-rounded speakers by emphasizing both conversational skills and practical grammar applications. Supplemented with music, games, following a “radio-style telenovela”, and collaborative opportunities in the classroom, this class will balance verbal fluency with grammatical understanding in a fun, engaging environment. Geography and cultural studies of Spanish-speaking countries will also be incorporated. Students will create a digital project each quarter to present and demonstrate their progress. It is recommended that students have a grasp of essential English grammar rules (parts of speech, verb tenses, etc.) prior to taking this class.

Grades: 8-12
Duration: Year long
Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 1 text/workbook; internet access
Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50
Monthly Class Fee: $60
Homework: approx 1.5-2 hrs/week
Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 5/15
Teacher: Eliana Reece

Class:  LEGO Education Simple Machines 

Description:  Students in grades 2 through 5 will engage in a dynamic STEM education experience using Lego Education’s Simple Machines curriculum. Throughout the course, they will receive explicit instruction, learning vocabulary, and facing challenges centered around fundamental simple machines, including gears, levers, wheel and axel, and pulleys. In addition to applying scientific and engineering processes, students will explore mathematical principles, measurement techniques, data recording, learning physical science and physics concepts.  The curriculum incorporates activities aimed at problem-solving, where students will work collaboratively to address specific challenges. While the class is focused and instructional, students will participate in open ended culminating activities for each topic to challenge the students to implement the skills and knowledge that they gained through the guided activities.  Students will solve targeted problems while also developing essential skills such as listening, communication, and teamwork as they take turns directing each other in the construction of back to back challenges. Although there will be limited opportunities for open-ended Lego play, creative freedom will be integrated into the lessons, ensuring an engaging and productive learning environment. 

Grades: 2^nd-5^th 

Duration: Yearly

Materials Needed: pen, pencil 

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework: None

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/12max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout

Description:  In this dynamic and engaging hands-on STEM class for upper elementary and middle school students, learners will collaborate in groups to tackle real-world challenges using the engineering design brief process (ask, research, imagine, plan, create, test, improve). Each project begins with a specific problem, and students will manage a budget to plan and develop innovative solutions. By integrating writing, reading, math, and science, they will craft and test their final products, iterating based on feedback and outcomes. Through discussions on successes and setbacks, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and ignite their creativity while fostering teamwork and critical thinking. 

Grades: 5^th -8^th 

Duration: Yearly

Materials Needed: pen, pencil 

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50 

Monthly Class Fee: $55/mo

Homework:  None

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4min/14max

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Rideout